Dr. Deepthi Prasad, MBBS.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Aloe Vera is a beauty ingredient that needs no introduction. However, there is a lot to learn about this universally loved succulent. Aloe Vera has amassed a huge following and is believed to be a miracle ingredient because of the many benefits that it offers. Known for its healing properties, it offers skin benefits galore. From healing acne marks to improving wrinkles, aloe vera does it all!
What is Aloe Vera?
As most would be aware, aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient with skin-soothing properties. It is a thick, goopy, and gooey gel-like liquid. Most beauty brands acknowledge the efficacy of aloe vera and therefore use it in their formulations. The leaves of the aloe plant are made of 3 layers, Mucilage or inner gel, the middle layer or latex, and the rind or outer layer. Rich in Amino Acids, Vitamins, phytosterols, and polysaccharides this ingredient is a beauty all-rounder. Potassium, zinc, and magnesium are also found in aloe vera. Over the years, this ingredient has garnered an excellent reputation for curing beauty woes, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to back its claims. Having said that, there are many uses of aloe vera, as they can calm the skin while adding ample hydration.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
When it comes to the uses of aloe vera, there are many; one can use it for solving skin and hair problems. Some of the benefits are mentioned as follows:
1. It has skin-soothing properties
Known for calming, inflammation, and irritation, aloe vera is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It works even better when combined with other calming ingredients like allantoin, witch hazel, and Centella Asiatica.
2. Prevents transepidermal water loss
Transepidermal water loss happens when the skin gets overly dehydrated. This in turn causes inflammation and itchiness. Aloe vera forms a protective layer on the skin, which keeps the hydration level intact.
3. Remedy for sunburn
Aloe vera is known for cooling and hydrating the skin. The polysaccharides present in it help in treating sunburn and tanning.
Also Read : Protect Your Skin From Tanning This Summer!
4. Heals acne and pimples
Many people swear by aloe vera when it comes to curing acne. It contains traces of salicylic acid, which is particularly beneficial in treating acne. It helps in drying up the zits and accelerates the healing process.
5. Moisturizes the skin
Back in the day, women who couldn’t afford moisturizers, applied aloe vera gel directly on the skin, to add moisture to the epidermis. While it is not a heavy-duty moisturizer, people with oily, combination, and normal skin can use aloe vera gel for skin as a morning moisturizer, especially in the summers.
7. Aloe Vera for hair
Many people aren’t aware of the benefits of aloe vera for hair. This hydrating ingredient is excellent for hair care, as it nourishes the roots and hydrates the strands. It brings forth amazing moisturization of the locks and ensures a healthy sheen. Aloe vera for hair can be used in the form of DIY hair masks, shampoos, and hair serums.
How to use Aloe Vera on the face
Regular application of aloe vera can help in keeping a variety of skin problems at bay. From store-bought aloe vera gels to using it directly from the leaf, applying aloe vera gel on the face isn’t a hassle. This amazing ingredient helps in collagen build-up which promotes the cell renewal process.
It helps in preventing fine lines and wrinkles in the long run. Aloe vera also helps in preventing skin scarring, especially after a bout of acne. Plus, its antioxidant properties prevent sun and environmental damage. The radiation emitted from the sun has multiple detrimental effects on the skin and aloe vera forms a protective barrier against it. This natural gel works wonders for the face when it is combined with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Pentavitin. ThriveCo’s Oil-Free Anti-Ageing Hydrating Gel, combines the goodness of Pentavitin, 33 kDa Hyaluronic Acid, B9 Vitapol, and Allantoin along with another powerful ingredient to create a skin-soothing concoction that supremely hydrates the skin.
ThriveCo’s Oil-Free Anti-Ageing Hydrating Gel
An amazing product that brings forth the goodness of aloe vera, Pentavitin, and Hyaluronic Acid, ThriveCo’s Oil-Free Anti-Ageing Hydrating Gel is an excellent daily moisturizer, which quenches dehydrated skin while offering anti-ageing benefits. It makes the skin youthful, plump, and taut. The B9-Vitapol present in it creates anti-porphyrin effects that prevent acne breakouts. It has an instant cooling effect on inflammation and relieves sunburn. Besides that, it offers UV protection as well, making it an excellent skincare all-rounder. It is a heavily upgraded version of aloe vera gel for the face, as it combines the goodness of other skin-benefiting ingredients with that of aloe vera’s.
- Ways you can use Aloe vera for your skin and hair
- It can be used in the form of a gel or mask for the skin.
- It can be added to hair conditioners for additionally hydrating the hair. Apart from that using aloe vera gel, by itself soothes the scalp and smoothens the hair strands.
- Aloe vera can be used as an excellent leave-in conditioner for curly hair when mixed with a few drops of almond or olive oil.
Buy ThriveCo Oil Free Anti-Ageing Hydarting Gel
Ingredients that go well with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera consists of around 75 active constituents and therefore, it goes well with most skincare and hair products. Here are some ingredients that merge well with aloe vera:
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Aloe vera and Hyaluronic Acid can combine to provide excellent hydration for the skin and hair. Those seeking a lightweight yet supremely hydrating moisturizer must look for these two components in their skin and hair care products.
Also Read : Why Is Hyaluronic Acid There In Every Skincare Product In Recent Times?
2. AHAs and BHAs
AHAs and BHAs can be slightly abrasive on the skin, because of their exfoliating and drying properties. Aloe vera can completely counteract this effect because of its soothing and healing effect.
3. Allantoin
Both Allantoin and aloe vera happen to be skin soothing agents, and together they can work magic for irritated and inflamed skin.
4. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel and aloe vera is a tried and tested remedy for soothing acne-prone skin. The two-ingredient work in conjunction to deeply hydrate and heal the skin.
Side-effects of Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, the irony is that it can irritate certain skin types, that are allergic to this ingredient. Therefore, those who have never used aloe vera must perform a patch test before slathering it on their skin and hair, just to be on the safe side.
About Doctor :
Dr. Deepthi Prasad specializes in Dermatology, Cosmetology, and Aesthetic Dermatology and has been practicing for over 15 years. After completing MBBS from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences Andhra Pradesh in 2009, she earned a MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad in 2014.
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